Keith Baker along with Monte Cook Will Lead Workshops at Dungeon Master University

Beginning in 2018, a specialized event organizer has been organizing deeply engaging experiences where professional dungeon masters run D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at a U.S. castle resort. These all-inclusive trips are widely appreciated among forever DMs who seldom have the chance to participate as players themselves, and they often seek advice from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and creating challenges to dealing with tough scenarios at the table.

In response, the coordinators began crafting a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of DMU. The first session is set for January 2-3, 2026 at a university in Atlanta.

“There are thousands of YouTube videos on almost every theme and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of peers in game mastering, where there’s live engagement with seasoned educators and other game masters likely in comparable situations and aim to enhance their abilities,” stated the dean of Dungeon Master University.

Available Classes and Pricing Tiers

DMs can opt for options ranging from just under $1,000 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the amount of contact they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes one of four courses:

• Foundational Skills: Focuses on the basics of leading a game.
• Story Arc Development: Is dedicated to crafting long-running games.
• Universe Design: Emphasizes the crafting of environments.
• Professional Development: Aimed at game masters who want to learn more about the roleplaying business.

Each course includes two days of training split over two days.

“The courses are structured so that you leave with usable skills, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl noted. “It's more than presentations and they exceed pre-recorded material. These classes that you can attend, gain knowledge from, and then go right back home the week after and apply in your local game.”

Seasoned Educators

Most classes are taught by two professors. Setting design is guided by the founder of Monte Cook Games and a renowned campaign designer, together instructing the skill of universe design.

Professional development features four different teachers, such as a puzzle design specialist, a podcast co-host, and an early professional game master. The additional faculty is intended to deliver focused advice to students with definite objectives.

“Various attendees plan to create their own real-play series and display their adventures with the world, several aim to release and create new material,” Carl said. “Others simply wish to ask, How do I get to be a DM at an event like a castle event? What capabilities that I need? Is it for everyone?”

Higher Tiers

A $1.5K premium package provides access to a opening gathering, a introductory package, and a brief one-on-one appointment with a teacher. This marks the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run comparable workshops during breaks between adventures at their premium gatherings.

“You could almost run an full two days just on one-on-one meetings for career game masters,” Carl mentioned. “I don’t know if that’s the best use of everybody’s time – I believe the coursework and the practical exercises is highly beneficial – but I believe it’s going to be one of the most popular parts of the program.”

The $2,500 top package offers an 60-minute private session and the opportunity to lead a session for five players plus one of the faculty members, who will then offer feedback and guidance.

“The purpose is for the teacher to evaluate whichever aspect is concerned with: Hey I don’t do well with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. Can I run a scenario for you and receive input on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl explained. “Alternatively they want to obtain critique and advice on a definite universe that they’ve been creating.”

Next Steps

Feedback from the debut workshop will help shape upcoming academy workshops. Carl mentioned that potential adjustments could include increasing consultation time, lengthening the event to a longer period, or experimenting with alternative workshop formats.

“I hope that we host such events regularly,” Carl stated. “I would love to see several DMU sessions in a single year, in different cities, and in various nations. The response has been really terrific. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I feel it would be fantastic to be able to conduct this in conjunction with major events.”